The Gloucestershire Family Bucket List

The Gloucestershire Family Bucket List 2025-26 encompasses an updated selection of unique places to visit, action-packed experiences and unmissable events across the county — curated by SoGlos’s team of local, expert journalists.

Packed with 100 inspirational ideas to keep family members of all ages busy throughout the year, this special list has been crafted for both lifelong family residents and first-time visitors to our wonderful county.

Printed on a beautiful A2 pull-out guide, with original illustrations by Carys Tait and handy tick boxes to help you keep track, the Gloucestershire Family Bucket List is free to pick up — with copies at key visitor attractions featured in the list, as well as in schools across the county.

With this digital version of the Family Bucket List including more information about each inclusion, separated into the six county districts to help you plan your adventures in Cheltenham, the Cotswolds, the Forest of Dean, Gloucester, Stroud and Tewkesbury.

Get the whole family involved and see how many of the 100 things you can tick off the list — and when you’re out and about, share your experiences and photos on social media using the hashtag #GlosFamilyBucketList.

In partnership with:

The King’s School Gloucester is an award-winning independent school for girls and boys aged three to 18. Rated excellent in all areas in its latest ISI Inspection Report, it prides itself on offering engaging lessons in small classes; excellent academic results; enriching co-curricular activities; and nurturing pastoral care, working closely with parents to create an environment where children of all abilities can thrive.

The King’s School Gloucester thekingsschool.co.uk

The Everyman Theatre is Gloucestershire’s finest entertainment venue, offering a packed annual calendar of drama, dance, comedy and music events, as well as family-friendly shows, including the unmissable annual pantomime — this year's Robin Hood and His Merry Men, starring Tweedy! Plus, there's the chance to step into the spotlight at the Everyman Theatre's summer schools, part of its inclusive youth theatre programme.

Everyman Theatre everymantheatre.org.uk

Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, near Tetbury, is one of the most spectacular tree gardens in the world — home to five national tree collections and 2,500 different species from the far corners of the globe. One of Gloucestershire’s most popular attractions, it spans a whopping 600 acres, encompassing natural play areas, family trails and restaurants, with unforgettable annual events like Forest Live and Christmas at Westonbirt each year.

Westonbirt Arboretum forestryengland.uk/westonbirt

Midlands Air Ambulance Charity provides lifesaving helicopter-led emergency medicine services across six Midlands counties including northern Gloucestershire, covering Cheltenham, Cirencester, Gloucester, Stroud, Tewkesbury and the surrounding areas. The charity operates and funds three air ambulances and a fleet of critical care cars to protect the lives of more than six million people across the region.

Midlands Air Ambulance Charity midlandsairambulance.com

Family things to do in Cheltenham

Cheer on Robin Hood and his Merry Men at the Everyman Theatre’s entertaining annual pantomime – starring Tweedy!

Get ready to laugh out loud at the highlight of Gloucestershire's family calendar! Catch everyone’s favourite clown, Tweedy, starring in the Everyman Theatre's annual panto Robin Hood and his Merry Men from November to January.

Take on an energetic Inflatable 5k race at Cheltenham Racecourse – raising funds for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity

Boing and bounce your way through five kilometres of inflatable fun, tackling obstacles as you go, to raise money for the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, which operates the lifesaving air ambulance service across six counties, including Gloucestershire.

Take teddy bears for a picnic on board a Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway train

If you go down to the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway, you’re in for a cuddly surprise! Bring along your favourite softies for a teddy bear’s picnic on board one of its heritage steam engines on selected dates.

Learn about Cheltenham’s Arctic explorer at The Wilson Art Gallery & Museum

The Wilson Art Gallery & Museum is a fantastic free attraction in the heart of Cheltenham, with exhibits on its namesake, Arctic explorer Edward Wilson, as well as fine art, furniture, textiles and more — and regular creative workshops for families.

Tuck into tasty food, see a film, go bowling and lots more at The Brewery Quarter

With family-friendly restaurants, bowling, golf, escape rooms, a cinema, shopping and Cheltenham’s biggest soft play area, there really is something to suit all ages at The Brewery Quarter.

Get a book signed by an inspiring author at Cheltenham Literature Festival

Whether it’s drawing along with an illustrator you love or hearing stories read in-person by the authors who wrote them, Cheltenham Literature Festival has plenty to inspire young minds — with lots of opportunities to get books signed by your favourite authors.

Spot the animal sculptures around the grounds of Sudeley Castle

Sudeley Castle’s Animal Ark gives intrepid explorers the chance to encounter life-sized animal sculptures all around its glorious grounds — plus there’s a castle-themed playground, a pheasantry full of birds and Queen Katherine Parr’s final resting to explore, too.

Play pickleball at East Glos Club

Try your hand at super fun and fast-growing sport, pickleball, at East Glos Club on Old Bath Road — with this leading county sports club also offering tennis, padel, squash, racketball and professional coaching.

Spot impressive street art along the Honeybourne Line

The Honeybourne Line is one of the best places to admire the colourful artworks created during Cheltenham Paint Festival. Walk, skip, cycle or scoot along the car-free, mostly flat route and see how many artworks you can find.

Introduce kids to classical music at Cheltenham Music Festival’s first relaxed family concert

To celebrate its 80th year, Cheltenham Music Festival is hosting its first-ever relaxed family concert, inviting children with special educational and developmental needs and their families to experience classical music in an inclusive, laid-back setting.

Splish and splash about at the renamed Cheltenham Lido

Set within four acres of landscaped gardens at Sandford Park, Cheltenham Lido is a heated outdoor swimming resort with slides, a cafe and a dedicated pool for little ones.

Row a boat across the lake at Pittville Park

Pittville Park is packed with plenty to do for an active family day out, with adventure play areas, a skatepark, cafes and a boating lake to row on in warmer months — plus an aviary of birds and bunnies to meet!

Practise your ollies and kickflips at Bishop's Cleeve skatepark

Boasting rails, ramps, bowls and a pump track for bikes, the Maverick skate park in Bishop’s Cleeve gives adventurous youngsters the chance to hone their skills on two or four wheels and show off their favourite tricks.

Be dazzled by Cheltenham Round Table’s annual fireworks display

One of the best places to see dazzling fireworks in Gloucestershire, Cheltenham Round Table hosts an evening jam-packed with entertainment at Cheltenham Racecourse every November.

Slurp on a milkshake at retro American diner Smokey Joe’s

A hit with kids and grown-ups, retro diner Smokey Joe’s is packed with cool stuff like vintage Coca Cola vending machines, a Wurlitzer jukebox and classic arcade games to play — with delicious homemade burgers, hot dogs and milkshakes on the menu.

Blow off the cobwebs at Cheltenham Racecourse’s family-friendly New Year’s Day races

An exhilarating way to start the New Year, take the whole family to Cheltenham Racecourse for its family-friendly race day, which is free for under 18s and packed with plenty of fun activities from face painting to meeting unicorns.

Family things to do in the Cotswolds

Witness the trees change colour from Westonbirt Arboretum’s stunning STIHL Tree Top Walkway

One of the best places in the world to see autumn colour, Westonbirt Arboretum is also an ideal Cotswold destination for admiring the spring blossom and soaking up the summer sun from its 13-metre-high walkway.

Challenge the family to walk some of the 102-mile Cotswold Way, from Chipping Campden to Bath

Follow the acorns and see how far you can get, exploring some of the most stunning countryside in the UK along the famous Cotswold Way, running from Chipping Campden in the north of the Cotswolds to the city of Bath in the south.

Fly on over to the world’s biggest airshow, the Royal International Air Tattoo

With military jets soaring overhead and interactive exhibits exploring all things science and tech, the Royal International Air Tattoo is a thrilling day out for aviation fans and families in Fairford — taking place from Friday 18 to Sunday 20 July in 2025.

Make friends with the UK’s only breeding colony of king penguins at Birdland

See if you can spot Birdland’s most famous flightless residents: Spike, who was voted the world’s most popular penguin in 2023, and Seth, the oldest king penguin in Europe – who starred alongside Danny DeVito in Batman Returns!

Listen to live music in the heart of the woods at Forest Live

Forest Live is a series of summer music concerts set amongst Westonbirt Arboretum's trees, with big names headlining every year. See McFly, Snow Patrol and The Script in 2025!

Spot Rusty the Iron Age dog at the Corinium Museum

Corinium Museum in Cirencester is home to some very special discoveries from the Roman town of Corinium — including the skeleton of a 2,000-year-old dog! With prehistoric tools and Anglo Saxon treasures to discover, too.

Bottle-feed lambs at Cotswold Farm Park — or witness a live birth!

Famous for its live lambing season, with as many as 800 baby sheep born every year, Cotswold Farm Park is an award-winning family attraction in Guiting Power — and home to TV presenter, Adam Henson.

Go for a saunter around Cirencester Park, refuelling at Cattivo Pizza at The Old Kennels

Just a short walk from Cirencester town centre, Cirencester Park offers acres of parkland to explore, with follies and vistas to discover. Make a beeline for The Old Kennels to tuck into sourdough pizza made fresh at Cattivo.

Test your strength at Tetbury Woolsack Races — with races for primary schools and teens

Take part in one of the Cotswolds’ wackiest traditions, cheering on the racers lugging 60lb sacks of wool up and down Gumstool Hill in Tetbury.

Take a herd of fluffy alpacas for a walk in the countryside at Cotswold Alpacas

A must for animal lovers, there’s the chance to meet and walk the fluffy herd of Huacaya alpacas on Cotswold Alpacas' 12-acre farm in Cowley.

See if you can catch a fish at Bibury Trout Farm

Fish for your supper at England’s oldest working trout farm, with catch-your-own fishing experiences and barbecues for hire at Bibury Trout Farm. Go for a round of crazy golf while you’re there, too!

Feel like a giant at the Bourton Model Village!

Pay a visit to the only Grade II listed model village in the country, which is a replica of Bourton-on-the-Water in miniature, found within the grounds of The Old New Inn.

Admire the impressive national collection of Japanese cherry trees at Batsford Arboretum

It’s a prime Cotswold day out destination in every season, with 60 beautiful acres to explore, but don’t miss the chance to see Batsford’s cherry blossoms in bloom from mid-March to early May.

Go paddling at the UK’s biggest inland sandy beach — Cotswold Country Park and Beach

Gloucestershire may be landlocked, but you can still enjoy a seaside experience without hitting the M5 traffic at Cotswold Country Park and Beach — the biggest inland beach in the country!

Chow down on street food and dance to bands on Alex James’ farm, at the Big Feastival

Big Feastival takes place at Blur bassist Alex James’ Kingham farm over the August bank holiday, with big-name musicians like Faithless on the bill — plus celebrity chefs and family entertainment galore.

Embrace one of the county’s wackiest traditions — shin-kicking at the Cotswold Olimpick Games

Dating back to the early 1600s, the Cotswold Olimpick Games takes place every June within the natural amphitheatre of Chipping Campden’s Dover’s Hill. The bizarre shin-kicking contest is always an annual highlight!

Try wakeboarding or waterskiing at the renamed Cotswold Lakes

Spanning 182 lakes, covering 42 square miles, Cotswold Lakes – the new name for Cotswold Water Park – has SSSI status and includes a staggering range of water sport activities, from wakeboarding to racing along buoyant inflatables!

Get soaked cheering on the teams at Bourton-on-the-Water’s Football in the River

Join the crowds on the riverbank for the annual Bourton-on-the-Water Football in the River tournament, where two local teams go head-to-head for a wet victory.

Tuck into tasty cinnamon buns at KNEAD Bakery in Elkstone

Pick up decadently filled doughnuts and treacle custard croissants from KNEAD Bakery before letting the kids loose on the playground Elkstone Studios.

Tell Santa and his reindeer your Christmas wishes, meeting the Cotswold Reindeer Herd

A truly unique Christmas experience near Cirencester, there’s the opportunity to visit Santa and his reindeer at Cotswold Reindeer Herd’s seasonal grotto. You can even shop for Christmas trees!

Family things to do in the Forest of Dean

Find forest-inspired artwork on the iconic Sculpture Trail

Stretch your legs amongst nature and enjoy unique and impressive works of art on the Forest’s iconic Sculpture Trail, with the four-and-a-half mile circular from Beechenhurst Lodge suitable for all ages and four-legged friends, too, with shortcuts back to base around the route.

Em-bark on the Wallace and Gromit-themed dog walking trail at Mallards Pike

Head into the woods for a dog walk with the UK’s favourite animated characters, Wallace and Gromit at Mallards Pike, on an activity trail featuring fun challenges for the family pooch and their owners, with activity packs including doggy bandanas also available from the cafe.

Dare to go deep at Clearwell Caves, a huge natural cave system 100 feet below ground

Delve deeper underground on a self-guided tour of Clearwell Caves, with nine awe-inspiring caverns to explore — including a tranquil underground pool and spots where TV shows like Dr Who and Merlin were filmed — and heaps of history about freemining in the Forest of Dean to be learned, too.

Follow Forestry England's Stick Man trail and get hands-on with nature at Beechenhurst

Join Stick Man on his journey to get back to the family tree on Forestry England’s Stick Man trail from Beechenhurst Lodge, featuring fun stick-based activities and plenty of opportunities to learn ‘tree-mendous’ facts about the forest and its wildlife, with an activity pack available to buy from the cafe.

Role-play in the replica Victorian schoolroom at Dean Heritage Centre

Discover the history of the Forest at Dean Heritage Centre by exploring its fascinating museum and role playing in its replica classroom, Forester’s Cottage or free mine — and head off in search of hand-carved Gruffalo sculptures in the woods.

Catch a steam train to all the different play areas at Perrygrove Railway Adventure

Ride on a miniature steam railway through woodlands and meadows, play hide and seek in the treetops, explore secret passageways and go wild in the woodland warren at Perrygrove Railway Adventure.

Soak up the scenery while paddling a canoe along the River Wye

Pack a picnic and take in stunning views of the Forest and the Wye Valley, with a leisurely paddle along the River Wye in a canoe or kayak.

Traverse the treetops or try Segway safari at Go Ape — with sites at Mallards Pike and Beechenhurst

Tackle countless obstacles high up in the trees, brave the Tarzan swing and take a zipline back to earth at Go Ape’s two Forest of Dean locations — with courses for big kids and climbers as young as four — or explore the forest floor in style on a Segway safari.

Cycle the family-friendly Colliers Trail, following nine miles of former mining tracks

Join the family-friendly Colliers Trail for a scenic bike ride through the forest along historic railway lines, with access points at the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre, Beechenhurst and Mallards Pike.

Explore other-worldly ancient woodland at Star Wars filming location, Puzzlewood

Discover enchanted woodland, twisting tree trunks and moss-covered gorges — as seen in major films including Star Wars — on a mile and a half of paths and lookouts at Puzzlewood.

Enjoy a relaxing ride on a heritage steam train at Dean Forest Railway

Catch a heritage steam train and take in nine miles of woodland and countryside at Dean Forest Railway — you can even enjoy Thai food, fish and chips or a murder mystery on board!

Splash in the babbling stream at Wenchford

Enjoy a family adventure to Wenchford in the summer months, when kids can splash around in the stream and enjoy a waterside picnic sheltered by a canopy of oak trees overhead.

Practice forest bathing on the wellbeing trail at Symonds Yat Rock

Take some time to notice nature and boost your health with a relaxing walk on Forestry England’s wellbeing trail at Symonds Yat Rock.

Meet the herd at Briery Hill Llamas

Spend quality time trekking with llamas through acres of woodlands and fields at Briery Hill Llamas, with options to enjoy delicious food, feed animals on the farm — and even enrich the llamas with spa treatments!

Family things to do in Gloucester

Unleash your inner wizard at Harry Potter filming location, Gloucester Cathedral

Walk through the hallways of Hogwarts exploring Gloucester Cathedral’s historic cloisters, with plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy all year round — and The King’s School Gloucester just next door.

From beatboxing to magic, catch a family show at Gloucester Guildhall

Gloucester's home of live music and dance, Gloucester Guildhall, offers a packed programme of performances for children and grown-ups, as well as cinema screenings and workshops to learn, meet and play.

Watch the races at the Gloucester Dragon Boat Festival

See dozens of colourful dragon boats tear through the water as they race along Gloucester Docks at this electric annual event, raising funds and awareness for local charity, Young Gloucestershire.

Play the UK’s fastest-growing sport at Gloucester’s dedicated Padel Club

Book a court at Gloucester Quays’ new Padel Club to try one of Europe’s most popular pastimes and get a rally going, before refuelling at the on-site cafe.

From tacos to ramen — eat your way around the world at Gloucester Food Dock

Gloucester Food Dock’s collective of independent restaurants, bars and brunch spots offers plenty of child-friendly choices, from brownies at Hetty’s Place to desserts and shakes at Wholly Gelato.

See the cheese chasers on Cooper’s Hill at the world-famous Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling

An ancient local tradition — that's become a global phenomenon! — Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling takes place annually each summer at Cooper’s Hill and sees participants hurtle down after a nine-pound wheel of Double Gloucester.

Learn about Gloucester’s maritime heritage at the National Waterways Museum

Discover the 200-year history of Gloucester Docks at the National Waterways Museum, housed within a Grade II listed grain warehouse by the waterfront — with free entry for 12 months with every ticket purchased.

Cheer on the Cherry and Whites at a Gloucester Rugby game at Kingsholm Stadium

The sporting pride and joy of the county, join more than 16,000 other Gloucester Rugby fans at Kingsholm Stadium and spectate some of the best rugby the country has to offer. Let's go Glawwwster!

Practise your swing at Brickhampton Court Golf

Brickhampton Golf Club welcomes junior golfers on its tree-lined courses or go virtual on its Trackman range — with engaging games to improve their technique and spark their imaginations.

Take a trip up the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal on board the Queen Boadicea

Once the broadest and deepest canal in the world, spend a day on the waters and discover some of Gloucestershire’s most impressive engineering and swing-bridges aboard the Queen Boadicea.

Get your skates on at Gloucester Quays’ roller disco, Roller Xpress

Whizz around to music at Gloucestershire's only dedicated roller rink, offering recreational roller disco fun for kids of all ages. Look out for regular fancy dress competitions and themed nights!

See Beatrix Potter’s timeless tale brought to life at the House of the Tailor of Gloucester

A literary gem! Many rare collector’s items are on display within the shop and museum at Beatrix Potter’s House of the Tailor of Gloucester — keep an eye out for the hiding mice, too!

Pretend to be a pilot in the cockpit of a Trident or Vulcan plane at the free Jet Age Museum

Dedicated to celebrating and preserving Gloucestershire’s aviation heritage, a day at the Jet Age Museum is sure to make your soul take flight!

Go back in time for one weekend only at Gloucester Goes Retro

Combining vintage fashion, retro music and hundreds of classic cars, Gloucester Goes Retro fills the city’s historic streets with nostalgic entertainment on August bank holiday weekend.

Try bouldering at 270 Climbing Park’s dedicated boulder centre

Give bouldering a go at one of the most inclusive and comprehensive bouldering centres in the UK, at 270 Climbing Park in Bentham – which also boasts a dizzying 18-metre-high ropes course, with 60 challenging obstacles to complete over five levels. Eek!

Spot the Black Mountains in Wales by summitting Robinswood Hill

If it’s a brisk, picturesque walk you’re after, then Robinswood Hill could be the perfect tonic. Follow the trail, spot the native wildlife along the way and reap the reward of unbelievable views!

See Roman ruins at the Museum of Gloucester

With two floors of exhibitions and interactive experiences, the Museum of Gloucester is the prime place to explore the city's history — with family events taking place throughout the year.

Munch popcorn watching a family film at the unique Sherborne Cinema

The independent Sherborne Cinema is an art deco picture house offering a fully immersive experience and well-priced tickets, as well as plenty of family flicks.

Speed down the slopes at Gloucester Ski and Snowboard Centre

Home to England’s longest ski slope at 255 metres, Gloucester Ski and Snowboard Centre also offers trainer and nursery slopes for kids to practise their alpine sporting skills, with skiing, snowboarding and tubing for all levels.

See the world’s best animal photos at Nature in Art’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition

Inspire art-loving children with a trip to Nature in Art, where they can discover the wonders of the natural world at the annual Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, meet the artists in residence and have a go at creating something themselves.

Try on a Rifleman’s rucksack at the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum

Located at Gloucester Docks, the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum gives an important and fascinating insight into the lives of local servicemen from the last 300 years.

Family things to do in Stroud

Watch medieval knights go head-to-head at Berkeley Castle’s thrilling jousting displays

See brave knights battle each other for honour and glory at the historic Berkeley Castle, with medieval jousting and sword-swinging spectacles to entertain the whole family.

Wave to Slimbridge Wetland Centre’s resident otters

Say 'hello' to Sam and Tilly, a pair of Asian small-clawed otters who take residence at Slimbridge Wetland Centre’s Otter Pool exhibit — spot as air bubbles escape from their waterproof coats when they disappear beneath the surface!

Cheer for Tweedy’s triumphant return to Giffords Circus for Laguna Bay

Much-loved Gloucestershire icon, Tweedy the Clown returns to centre stage in 2025 to delight audiences in Gifford Circus' Laguna Bay, set in the buoyant and sunny era of 1950’s America.

Pop to Brimscombe Mill for messy play at Kids Stuff

From chia seed slime and sensory pools to coloured rice and a baked beans volcano, there’s plenty to get messy with at Brimscombe Mill — remember to wear something old!

Tuck into a pay-as-you-can feast from The Long Table

Feast, talk, laugh and support neighbours who need a little help with pay-as-you-go meals at The Long Table.

Snap up a Sub Rooms’ family show — from Taylor Swift tributes to the wickedly funny panto!

The Sub Rooms has plenty for little ones — and bigger kids too! Look forward to Horrible Histories this spring — and PJD Productions team will be back in December 2025 with their newest show, Sleeping Beauty.

Pick up tasty local treats from Stroud Farmers’ Market

Shop for fresh produce and yummy snacks at Stroud's award-winning Farmers' Market every Saturday.

Find all the quirky follies at Painswick Rococo Garden, the county’s fanciful pleasure garden

Once a pleasure garden for gentlefolk, Painswick Rococo Garden is full of fanciful follies and fragrant flowers for families to discover.

Pose among thousands of bluebells on the summit of Cam Peak

With thousands of bluebells cloaking its summit, making the uninterrupted Cotswold views even more impressive, Cam Peak is totally transformed by the flowers to snap shots of in the springtime.

Soak up a storytelling event at Stroud Book Festival

With legendary authors and iconic illustrators expected on the lineup at Stroud Book Festival, 2025 promises ‘a celebration of stories, ideas and community for readers of all ages'.

Seek out the abandoned boats at Purton Ships’ Graveyard

Pull on your wellies and spot abandoned boats on the banks of the River Severn at Purton Ships' Graveyard — dubbed one of the UK's most unusual museums.

Celebrate 100 years of Winstones Ice Cream with a cone on Rodborough Common

Winstones Ice Cream has been producing ice-cream and sorbets for 100 years in 2025, with its parlour serving delicious scoops in the Stroud countryside.

Look for dinosaur bones at Museum in the Park

With the chance to see everything from dinosaur bones and ancient coins to theatre productions and even a 'secret garden', there's plenty for the whole family to enjoy at Stroud's Museum in the Park.

Count the creepy gargoyles at Woodchester Mansion

A 19th century Victorian Gothic masterpiece, visit Woodchester Mansion on a unique bat tour, spot spooky gargoyles and look out for those ghosts!

Take to the water on one of Stroud’s canals and have a go at standup paddleboarding

Breathe in the fresh air and try to keep your balance with the chance to try standup paddleboarding along the Stroudwater Canal.

Say ‘moo’ to the cows grazing on Minchinhampton Common in the summer

Meet Minchinhampton Common's friendly bovine residents, with horses and donkeys to spot, too!

Family things to do in Tewkesbury

Take part in Europe’s largest free medieval event at Tewkesbury Medieval Festival

One of the town's most famous highlights, relive the Battle of Tewkesbury at the Tewkesbury Medieval Festival every summer, with medieval market stalls to browse and historical arts and crafts to try, too.

Marvel at the architectural majesty of Tewkesbury Abbey — or be immersed in a dazzling light show

Consecrated in 1121, Tewkesbury Abbey is one of the oldest buildings in Gloucestershire and boasts some of the best examples of medieval stained glass in the country, as well as regularly hosting spectacular Luxmuralis light shows.

Catch a family show or give the kids a chance to tread the boards at The Roses Theatre’s Young Creatives summer school

Theatrical youngsters can enjoy a varied programme of family shows at The Roses Theatre — and even get involved themselves with the chance to be part of a performance through the Roses Young Creatives. 

Unleash your inner Bruce Bogtrotter at Tewkesbury’s Café au Chocolat

With a menu that promises more chocolate than you can shake a flake at, the aptly named Café au Chocolat offers indulgent chocolate platters full of chocolate fudge cake, truffles, ice cream and more to tuck into.

Look out for bats at Tewkesbury Nature Reserve

Spot swooping bats while taking a stroll at dusk, with Tewkesbury Nature Reserve providing a peaceful and picturesque spot to watch these elusive creatures.

Dance along to local bands at the free Tewkesbury LIVE music festival

Promising three days of live music, Tewkesbury LIVE sees talented musicians perform free gigs in pubs and venues across town — with free family crafting, music workshops and shows for younger children, too.

Go for a spin on the carousel at Tewkesbury Mop Fair

Known as the largest street fair in Gloucestershire and one of the oldest fairs in the UK, Tewkesbury Mop Fair takes place in town every October, with stalls to browse and fairground rides to whirl around on.

Take to the water and go windsurfing at Croft Farm Water Park

Try to keep your balance on a very wet visit to Tewkesbury's Croft Farm water sports lake — with caravan and camping pitches to stay the night, too.

Learn about Tewkesbury’s native wildlife at John Moore Museum

Find out all about life in the countryside, wander through a cottage garden, discover the area's native wildlife and speak to some 'real' Tudors at John Moore Museum.

Walk along the Battle Trail to discover sites from the famous Battle of Tewkesbury

Follow the footsteps of the soldiers that fought in the Battle of Tewkesbury on Saturday 4 May 1471, following the Tewkesbury Battle Trail over the fields to the south of the town.

Take a ferry cruise along the Severn, from Twyning to Tewkesbury

Hop on board a boat and take a leisure cruise along the River Severn, taking in the sights and sounds of Tewkesbury from a whole new angle.

Stroll the circular Severn Ham, looking out for elvers, beetles and butterflies

Magnifying glasses at the ready! Take a wildlife walk along the flat Severn Ham route, keeping a beady eye out for beetles and butterflies in the air and elvers in the water.

Splurge the pocket money at the new Cotswolds Designer Outlet

Get mowing those lawns and washing those dishes to save up your pennies and treat yourself at Gloucestershire's newest shopping destination, Cotswolds Designer Outlet, just off the M5 near Tewkesbury.